For 112 years, Centralia High School has gathered each spring for May Fete, a tradition that blends pageantry, dance, and deep-rooted history. Unlike prom, which is a common high school celebration, May Fete is something uniquely Centralian—a coronation ceremony, cultural performance, and a farewell to seniors, all wrapped into one magical evening.

For CHS seniors Peyton Cole and Mya McGee, this year’s May Fete carries special significance—they have been elected King and Queen of the royal court.

“It’s an honor to be part of something that has been around for over a century,” Peyton said. “It’s a tradition that means a lot to this school and this community.”

With its elegant gowns, choreographed waltzes, and the famous Maypole dance, May Fete is an event that generations of students, parents, and alumni have cherished. Its history is woven into the fabric of Centralia High School, and for those chosen to participate, it’s an experience they will never forget.

What Is May Fete? A Tradition Unlike Any Other

The name itself reflects its rich, historical roots. Originally a European tradition, "May Fete" refers to festivities marking the arrival of spring, often involving dances, music, and celebrations of renewal. At CHS, this concept evolved into an elaborate event unique to the school and community.

“There’s really nothing else quite like it,” said Kalani Aydt, a CHS teacher and May Fete coordinator. “I’ve always described it as a coronation combined with a Broadway-style variety show.”

The main event is the formal presentation of the royal court, where students are honored in handcrafted gowns and formal wear, accompanied by music, student-led dances, and themed performances.

“This year’s theme is ‘Dancing Through the Decades,’” said CHS business teacher and May Fete Coordinator, Jordan Coffey. “We have different performances representing music from the 1920s through the 2010s, bringing a mix of classic and modern styles to the event.”

The festivities include:

• The Crowning of the King & Queen – Elected by the student body, the senior King and Queen are the symbolic leaders of May Fete.

• The Royal Court Presentation – Students across all grade levels (freshmen through seniors) serve as attendants and escorts.

• The Waltz & Specialty Dances – The May Fete court performs a beautifully choreographed waltz, and students participate in various themed performances.

• The Maypole Dance – One of the most iconic parts of May Fete, senior girls perform an intricate ribbon-weaving dance around a towering Maypole.

“It’s a mix of elegance, nostalgia, and emotion,” Kalani said. “By the time the Maypole is wrapped, there are usually a few tears.”

The May Fete Election Process: A Student-Led Tradition

Unlike prom, where court members are randomly chosen from the student body, May Fete participants must take an active role in being elected to the court.

Students who wish to become part of the court must:

1. Fill out a petition with signatures from classmates.

2. Be voted in by their grade level to serve as attendants and escorts.

3. King and Queen candidates face an additional vote—they are chosen by the entire student body.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking,” Mya said. “You put yourself out there, and you just hope your classmates believe in you.”

Despite the competition, students say May Fete remains a celebration of unity.

“I think the best part is that it’s not just about popularity,” Peyton added. “It’s about tradition and carrying something forward that means a lot to CHS.”

Behind the Scenes: Months of Preparation

An event as grand and polished as May Fete requires months of preparation, involving students, faculty, and local seamstresses who craft custom dresses for each female attendant.

“We start planning in October, right after Homecoming,” said Jordan. “We have to finalize the theme, recruit dance sponsors, and begin working on student performances.”

By January, elections are underway, and dance rehearsals begin in full force.

Custom Gowns: A Time-Honored Tradition

Unlike prom dresses, which students purchase off the rack, May Fete gowns are handcrafted for each female participant.

“The dresses are completely custom,” Mya explained. “From fabric selection to the final stitching, it’s a four-month process with multiple fittings.”

Each gown is designed for the individual, ensuring that every participant has a one-of-a-kind dress that fits the elegance of May Fete.

“This is something you don’t see in other high schools,” Kalani said. “It’s part of what makes May Fete so special.”

The Maypole Dance: A Rite of Passage

One of the most emotional moments of May Fete is the Maypole Dance, where senior girls wrap a towering pole in intricate ribbons, symbolizing the unity and legacy of the graduating class. The colors of the streamers are the Senior colors based on the vote by the Senior class.

“The Maypole dance is a rite of passage for senior girls,” Kalani said. “It’s one of their final moments together before graduation, and it’s incredibly moving to watch.”

For many, it’s a moment of reflection and farewell.

“I cry every year watching my friends leave,” Mya admitted. “It’s like the last big thing we do together.”

May Fete’s Deep Historical Roots

May Fete has been a cornerstone of CHS culture for over a century, shaping traditions, memories, and family legacies.

Many students grew up attending May Fete, dreaming of the day they would step onto the stage themselves.

“I was a flower girl when I was six years old,” Mya shared. “I remember looking up at the Queen and thinking, ‘I want to be her someday.’ Now, here I am.”

For some, May Fete has become a multi-generational tradition.

“My sister is on the court as a freshman,” Peyton said. “It makes this year even more special for my family.”

The emotional weight of May Fete is something that resonates beyond high school, bringing alumni back year after year to relive the magic.

More Than Just a Tradition—A Symbol of CHS Pride

May Fete is more than just an event—it is a symbol of Centralia High School’s identity, uniting students, faculty, and the community in a celebration of history, elegance, and school pride.

“There’s a reason May Fete has lasted 112 years,” Jordan Coffey said. “It’s a legacy that gets passed down, and it means just as much today as it did decades ago.”

For Peyton and Mya, serving as King and Queen is more than an honor—it’s a moment they’ll carry with them forever.

“This tradition is bigger than any one of us,” Peyton said. “We’re just lucky to be a part of it.”

And as the final waltz is danced, the Maypole wrapped, and the last bow taken, another class of CHS students will step forward—continuing a tradition that has stood the test of time.